The Expatriates (Large Print / Hardcover)

January 2016 Indie Next List

“The Expatriates focuses on three very different American women whose lives in wealthy and privileged modern-day Hong Kong merge in an astounding way. Margaret, Hilary, and Mercy come from different backgrounds, and as their inner struggles first collide in this glamorous new world and then with each others', tough decisions are made that have a rippling effect. An unthinkable tragedy occurs that makes two women wish they could turn back the clock. Lee writes beautifully, with each woman's story unfolding in sequenced chapters. A fantastic read!”
— Joanne Doggart, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Chatham, MA

Description

From the author of the "New York Times" bestseller "The Piano Teacher, " a beautiful, transporting novel about motherhood, marriage, and friendship Janice Y. K. Lee's blockbuster hit debut, "The Piano Teacher," was called immensely satisfying by "People, " intensely readable by "O, The Oprah Magazine, " and a rare and exquisite story by Elizabeth Gilbert. Now, in her long-awaited new novel, Lee explores with devastating poignancy the emotions, identities, and relationships of three very different American women living in the same small expat community in Hong Kong. Mercy, a young Korean American and recent Columbia graduate, is adrift, undone by a terrible incident in her recent past. Hilary, a wealthy housewife, is haunted by her struggle to have a child, something she believes could save her foundering marriage. Meanwhile, Margaret, once a happily married mother of three, questions her maternal identity in the wake of a shattering loss. As each woman struggles with her own demons, their lives collide in ways that have irreversible consequences for them all. Atmospheric, moving, and utterly compelling, "The Expatriates" confirms Lee as an exceptional talent and one of our keenest observers of women's inner lives.

About the Author

Janice YK Lee was born and raised in Hong Kong. She received a BA in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard College. A former editor at "Elle" magazine, Lee lives in New York with her husband and four children.